Architectural Use of Computer Controlled Deformation Techniques on the Example of CNC-Bent Tube Structures

Abstract

Steel tubes as construction material have an enormous capacity. CNC bending machines have the ability to deform material into all three dimensions in contrast to other popular CNC techniques for architectural design that use subtractive methods like laser-cutting and milling. The research examines the potential of a digital deforming process of CNC-Bending. During three months the authors developed several design concepts, programmed the necessary software for generating the structure and produced three architectural prototypes shown at an exhibition. Altogether they were constructed out of more than 500 pieces of steel tubes and over 5000 bends.